Bobby pin opener



May 25, 1948. c, M WELCH 7 2,441,947

BOBBY PIN OPENER I Filed Sept. 6, 1946 wmlmllllll 7 B E1 j l l/ f v a 7 I "'5 Inventor 9 fiazwiw 71%! teys Patented May 25, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,441,941

BOBBY PIN OPENER Clarence M. Welch, Tampa, Fla. Application September 6, 1946, Serial No. 695,161

6 Claims.

The present invention relates to what is believed to be a novel and improved bobby pin opener.

It is a matter of common knowledge that opening jaws or limbs of so-called bobby pins is often an undesirable task. Various makeshift methods are followed in achieving the desired ends. For example, some users pry the jaws apart with finger nails and others resort to the equally undesirable method of opening the jaws with their teeth. Then, too, various other ways are resorted to, and since all such .ways known to me are clumsy and objectionable, I have evolved and produced a simple, mechanical device which achieves the desired end with simplicity, expediency and convenience.

Briefly. the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a finger ring having means thereon for opening bobby pins in a practical and reliable, as well as safe and sane manner.

More specifically, the invention comprises a finger ring provided, on top, with a pocket and an opening blade, together with an extension functioning as a finger guard and pin guide, the latter for efiectively tracking and delivering the jaws of the pin into correct position for satisfactory opening purposes.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings, wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the views Figure 1 is an elevational view of a bobby pin opener constructed in accordance with my inventive ideas and showing opener is used.

Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the opener.

Figure 3 is a vertical and central longitudinal sectional view showing the details of construc-' tion and also showing, in dotted lines, the method of inserting and angling the hobby pin for jaw-spreading and opening purposes.

' Figure 4 is a top plan view of the structure seen in the other figures.

Figure 5 is an end view, that is, an end elevation of Figures 2 and 4, respectively, observing the same in a direction from right to left.

Referring now to the drawings by distinguishing reference numerals, it will be seen that the opener, as a unitary structure, is denoted by the numeral 6, the same being of appropriate material and proportions. Said structure comprises the manner in which the pin into place a finger ring 1 having a recessed boss 8 formed on its top portion. The recess or cavity of the boss defines a pocket 9 and the blade portion comprises an opening wedge ill, the effective edge thereof being thinned and sharpened to the desired degree. The extension II is twofold in purpose. It comprises a rectilinearly straight part formed integral with the ring and lined up with the pocket 9 and opening wedge or blade l0. It is substantially V-shaped in cross-section, thus providing diverging wings Or flanges l2 defining a central guide or runway l3. This part II serves as a shield to prevent injury to the finger and also functions as a runway and tracking guide for the hobby pin M. This is a conventional type of pin and includes the usual straight and long stem l5 and shorter, corrugated limb IS.

The mode of use of the device will be clear by examining Figures 1 and 3. Figure 3 shows the hobby pin in dotted lines and the manner in which it is applied and the jaws thereof wedged apart and spread to open position. The tip or jaw of the straight limb l5 rides alon the guide channel I3 and into the pocket 9, The outwardly flared jaw on the remaining limb I6 is directed against the edge of the wedge or blade Ill in an obvious manner. Thus, by properly guiding the and forcing the jaws into proper places, said jaws'are spread apart. The ring on the finger, as seen in Figure 1, and the jaws spread, and with the pin open, the user grasps said jaws and retains the same in open position as shown at the right in Figure 1. This step, therefore, prepares the pin for ready application to the tresses of ones hair.

It is believed that I have evolved and produced a simple and economical and practical ring-type bobby pin opener which is aptly fitted for the purposes intended and which achieves desired results in a satisfactory and convenient manner. Those who use bobby pins at beauty parlors and at home will appreciate the real significance of the device under advisement. In such circumstances, it is evidently unnecessary to dwell at greater length upon the commercial and equivalent aspects of the device.

In view of the foregoing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it is believed that a clear understanding of the construction, operation and advantages of the device will be quite apparent to those skilled in this art. ingly deemed unnecessary.

It is to be understood, however, that even though I have herein shown and described a A more detailed description is accord comprising a finger ring provided with means for accommodating and opening the jaws of a. bobby pin, said means comprising a pocket for reception of the jaw on one limb and a wedge-shaped blade for coaction with the remaining jaw.

2. In a bobby pin opener of the class described comprising a. finger ring provided with means for accommodating and opening the jaws of a hobby pin, said means comprising a pocket for reception of the jaw on one limb and a wedge-shaped blade for coaction with the remaining jaw, and further including a guide in alignment with the pocket and blade.

3. A bobby pin opener of the class described comprising a finger ring provided with a recessed boss defining a pocket and further defining a wedge-like jaw-opening blade.

4. A bobby pin opener of the class described comprising a finger ring provided with a recessed boss defining a pocket and further defining a wedge-like jaw-opening blade, and an elongated extension formed integral with said boss and adapted to overlie the finger of the user, said extension being V-shaped in cross-section and 2 against injury arising out of careless the jaws of a bobby 4 constituting a protector shield and bobby pin guide.

5. A bobby pin opener of the class described comprising a finger 'ring provided with Jaw receptive means for accommodating and opening the jaws of a hobby pin, and complemental means for initially receiving, guiding, and feeding the jaws toward and into said first named means.

6. A bobby pin opener of the class described comprising a finger ring provided with jaw receptive means for accommodating and opening pin, and complemental means for initially receiving, guiding, and feeding the jaws toward and into said first named means, said second named means being in the form of an extension at right angles to the ring and, in practice, overlying a substantial portion of the finger of the wearer, whereby it has the additional function of shielding the wearer's finger handling 01' the bobby pin.

CLARENCE M. WELCH.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Byron Aug. 20, 1946 Number 

